Psy7112 History and Systems of Psychology Alliant International University Fall 2009 Tony Stigliano PhD Stigliano@comcast.net
Tony Stigliano, PhD
Office hours: I have no office hours. Private conversations with students can be arranged with the instructor. We can also communicate by email.
I. Rationale:
“…history’s ultimate utility does not lie in its predictive or explanatory value, but in its ability to teach humility, to nurture an appreciation of the limits on our capacity to see the past clearly or to know fully the historical determinants of our own brief passage in time. ‘If the study of history does nothing more than teach us humility, skepticism, and awareness of ourselves, then it has done something useful’ a knowledge of history, as the great historian of the Renaissance Jacob Burckhardt once wrote, will not makes clever for the next time, but wise forever.”**[1]**
II. Course Description, Purpose, Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment:
A. Course Description . We examine the history of psychology from its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean to the 21st century.
B. Purpose of the Course
The course will introduce the science of psychology as a product of historically and culturally based practices, ideologies and institutions. Discussion and readings will reveal the religious, literary, philosophical and political foundations for modern psychology.
C. Specific Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
·Recognize that contemporary psychology – regardless of its originality – has historical, philosophical, literary, and religious dimensions. ·Interpret contemporary psychological developments in terms of their historical roots ·Understand the relationship between psychology and broader cultural, political and social developments. ·Understand that the history of psychology is a history of the languages that were/are used to describe and explain the “mind” (and “the body”). D. Instructional Strategy Class room discussions, lectures presented to provoke and stimulate, students will learn how to read, critically evaluate and participate in class. Students may also contact me by email, one-on-one instruction in order to help students having difficulties with the course material and the lectures. E. Description of Course Requirements and Assessment Students have three written assignments of 3 to 4 pages (1’ margins, double space, 12 pt font, Times Roman). Students will do the readings each week. Paper topics can be based on the readings, lectures or relevant materials. ·Students’ key questions might be : what is of psychological value in the readings? Are there alternative ways of interpreting the reading? ·Also, bewareof the fallacy of presentism; this fallacy can be defined as using contemporary knowledge to criticize or explain earlier theories and practices. ·My evaluations of student work will based on 1) a capacity to criticize constructively, but also to appreciate thinking that is radically different than their own; 2) an ability to see the historical connections and divisions between earlier and contemporary understandings. Do not summarize the readings. ·Written assignments should not necessarily agree with text or instructor. Independence of thought is valued highly. Do the papers and class discussion show that students can make a rational evaluation of an argument? Can she recognize the assumptions of the author(s)? Can she show how contrary interpretations can lead to different conclusions? III. Course Readings and Materials:
In order of the assignments
S. Everson. (Ed) (1991). Psychology: Companions to Ancient Thought 2. NY: Cambridge University Press.
K. Danziger (1997). Naming the mind: How psychology found its language. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing
G. Makari (2008). Revolution in mind: The creation of psychoanalysis. NY: Harper Perennial
L. Cozolino (2002). The neuroscience of psychotherapy: Building and rebuilding the human brain. NY: W. W. Norton
There will also be handouts to augment or illustrate the lectures. IV.Course Schedule: September 2: Introduction. The first class is about course mechanics, course expectations and an
overview of the course.
September 9:.The discovery of mind (700 BCE to 300 BCE) Reading: Everson, Psychology pp. 1 - 34
September 16: Psychology articulated in tragedy, politics and ethics Reading: Everson, Psychology 35 -83
September 23: The “Middle Ages” (400 CE – 1400 CE) the contributions of Islamic medicine, Christian moral psychology, and Jewish hermeneutics. Reading: Handout from Augustine’s Confessions, Moosa’s Al-Ghazali and the poetics of imagination
September 30: Medieval foundations of modern science. Disputes and dogma yields to logic and evidence. Reading: Handout from Michael Allen Gillespie, The theological origins of modernity
October 7: The “Scientific Revolution”. Psychology becomes materialist science. No reading.First paper due
October 14: The breakdown of religion and the rise of scientific psychology in the 18th and 19th century. Reading: Kurt Danziger, Naming the mind, pp. 36 - 50
October 21: Nineteenth century science: categories and evolution: scientific racism and sexism, as the new psychology. Reading: Handout from Stephen Jay Gould, The mismeasure of man.
October 28:Charles Darwin’s radical transformation of psychology. Handout from Darwin’s Expression of emotion in animals and man; Danziger, Naming the Mind, pp. 66 - 107
November 4: The question of the nature of a scientific psychology: Reading: Hand out from Hilgard’s Psychology in America. Second Paper due
November 11: Veteran’s Day No Class.
November 18: The Romantic imperative: psychoanalysis and its breakdown and resurrection. Reading: George Makari Revolution in Mind, pp. 9 - 128
November 25: Psychology becomes a neuroscience. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapy, pp. 3 - 64
December 2: The brain and its self. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapy, pp. 153 – 214.
December 9: The psychotherapist as neuroscientist. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapist, pp. 304 – 319.Third paper due
V. Policies and Procedures as defined by AIU:
Behavioral Expectations/Attendance
What behavioral expectations does the instructor have for the students in class? This is where specifications for attendance, participation, respect for others, etc. should be spelled out to act as a behavioral guide.Describe the policies on: 1.Policies Related To Class Attendance, Lateness, Missed Exams or Assignments The University expects regular class attendance by all students. Each student is responsible for all academic work missed during absences.When an absence is necessary, students should contact the instructor as courtesy and to check for assignments.See the University Catalog for the complete policy on attendance.Attendance criteria for this class are: For students to attend class at the times set out. Driving or otherwise commuting early in the morning will invariably run into traffic, so the student should see me regarding what they have missed. Any quizzes that are missed for any reason will be made up. The student should see me to arrange make-ups. Students should come to class prepared to talk about the texts read, to engage with the instructor and classmates as to the meaning and implications of the readings.
Instructor Assumptions
I do not believe that psychology is unique as a social science in relation to political power. I assume that history is a matter of interpretation rather than the recitation of facts and that there are better interpretations than others. I believe that even the most ancient or cultural different ideas may have relevancy to modern scientific psychology or that the problems raised by radically different outlooks can be answered by modern psychology. I also believe that the most scientific (modern) forms of psychology rest on the work of philosophers, theologians, poets, artists, physicists and others. A good psychologist is a thinking human being aware of people’s lives and aware of the defining role of power (political and otherwise). I also believe that the good psychologist is also a good political and cultural critic.
Responsibility to Keep Copies Remember – it is good practice to keep copies of ALL major assignments/papers you turn in.On rare occasions, work may be lost because of computer failure or other mishaps. 2.Respectful Speech and Actions
Alliant International University, by mission and practice, is committed to fair and respectful consideration of all members of our community, and the greater communities surrounding us.All members of the University must treat one another as they would wish to be treated themselves, with dignity and concern. As an institution of higher education, Alliant International University has the obligation to critically confront racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity through critical analysis and understanding how discriminatory ideas and actions are forms of transgression. Professional codes of ethics (e.g., from the APA for psychology students) and the Academic Code shall be the immediate guide for identifying speech or actions that, for some, are considered abusive and insulting. The appropriate educational response will be the first response. If such speech or actions disrupt the class and/or affect students adversely, action will be taken in conformity with University policy.. 3.Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics
The University is committed to principles of scholastic honesty.Its members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community.Each student’s conduct is expected to be in accordance with the standards of courtesy, mutual equality and behavior consistent with higher learning.The complete Academic Code, which covers acts of misconduct including assistance during examination, fabrication of data, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and assisting other students in acts of misconduct, among others, may be found in the University Catalog.The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection software. At the same time, the University has a commitment to intellectual and academic freedom and will respect people’s rights to privacy, and the right to free expression.
4.Disability Accommodations Request If you need disability-related accommodations in this class, please see me privately.All accommodations must be requested in a timely manner (at least 2 weeks ahead of time) with a letter of support for Alliant’s Office of Disability Services.If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services. 5.Policy on Course Requirements During Religious Holidays
Alliant International University does not officially observe any religious holidays.However, in keeping with the institution’s commitment to respect and hospitality towards its students and faculty, faculty are encouraged to appreciate students’ religious observances by not penalizing them when they are absent from classes on holy days.Students should be similarly respectful of faculty members’ right to observe religious days. 6.Resources for Obtaining Tutoring or Other Student Support Services
Tutors are available to help students with course-based or exam-based needs.Contact the Director of Student Support Services for information on obtaining tutoring – or other student support services – on your campus.
Alliant International University
Fall 2009
Tony Stigliano PhD
Stigliano@comcast.net
Tony Stigliano, PhD
Office hours: I have no office hours. Private conversations with students can be arranged with the instructor. We can also communicate by email.
I. Rationale:
“…history’s ultimate utility does not lie in its predictive or explanatory value, but in its ability to teach humility, to nurture an appreciation of the limits on our capacity to see the past clearly or to know fully the historical determinants of our own brief passage in time. ‘If the study of history does nothing more than teach us humility, skepticism, and awareness of ourselves, then it has done something useful’ a knowledge of history, as the great historian of the Renaissance Jacob Burckhardt once wrote, will not makes clever for the next time, but wise forever.”**[1]**
II. Course Description, Purpose, Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment:
A. Course Description
.
We examine the history of psychology from its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean to the 21st century.
B. Purpose of the Course
The course will introduce the science of psychology as a product of historically and culturally based practices, ideologies and institutions. Discussion and readings will reveal the religious, literary, philosophical and political foundations for modern psychology.
C. Specific Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
· Recognize that contemporary psychology – regardless of its originality – has historical, philosophical, literary, and religious dimensions.
· Interpret contemporary psychological developments in terms of their historical roots
· Understand the relationship between psychology and broader cultural, political and social developments.
· Understand that the history of psychology is a history of the languages that were/are used to describe and explain the “mind” (and “the body”).
D. Instructional Strategy
Class room discussions, lectures presented to provoke and stimulate, students will learn how to read, critically evaluate and participate in class. Students may also contact me by email, one-on-one instruction in order to help students having difficulties with the course material and the lectures.
E. Description of Course Requirements and Assessment
Students have three written assignments of 3 to 4 pages (1’ margins, double space, 12 pt font, Times Roman). Students will do the readings each week. Paper topics can be based on the readings, lectures or relevant materials.
· Students’ key questions might be : what is of psychological value in the readings? Are there alternative ways of interpreting the reading?
· Also, beware of the fallacy of presentism; this fallacy can be defined as using contemporary knowledge to criticize or explain earlier theories and practices.
· My evaluations of student work will based on 1) a capacity to criticize constructively, but also to appreciate thinking that is radically different than their own; 2) an ability to see the historical connections and divisions between earlier and contemporary understandings. Do not summarize the readings.
· Written assignments should not necessarily agree with text or instructor. Independence of thought is valued highly. Do the papers and class discussion show that students can make a rational evaluation of an argument? Can she recognize the assumptions of the author(s)? Can she show how contrary interpretations can lead to different conclusions?
III. Course Readings and Materials:
In order of the assignments
S. Everson. (Ed) (1991). Psychology: Companions to Ancient Thought 2. NY: Cambridge University Press.
K. Danziger (1997). Naming the mind: How psychology found its language. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing
G. Makari (2008). Revolution in mind: The creation of psychoanalysis. NY: Harper Perennial
L. Cozolino (2002). The neuroscience of psychotherapy: Building and rebuilding the human brain. NY: W. W. Norton
There will also be handouts to augment or illustrate the lectures.
IV. Course Schedule:
September 2: Introduction. The first class is about course mechanics, course expectations and an
overview of the course.
September 9:. The discovery of mind (700 BCE to 300 BCE) Reading: Everson, Psychology pp. 1 - 34
September 16: Psychology articulated in tragedy, politics and ethics Reading: Everson, Psychology 35 -83
September 23: The “Middle Ages” (400 CE – 1400 CE) the contributions of Islamic medicine, Christian moral psychology, and Jewish hermeneutics. Reading: Handout from Augustine’s Confessions, Moosa’s Al-Ghazali and the poetics of imagination
September 30: Medieval foundations of modern science. Disputes and dogma yields to logic and evidence. Reading: Handout from Michael Allen Gillespie, The theological origins of modernity
October 7: The “Scientific Revolution”. Psychology becomes materialist science. No reading. First paper due
October 14: The breakdown of religion and the rise of scientific psychology in the 18th and 19th century. Reading: Kurt Danziger, Naming the mind, pp. 36 - 50
October 21: Nineteenth century science: categories and evolution: scientific racism and sexism, as the new psychology. Reading: Handout from Stephen Jay Gould, The mismeasure of man.
October 28: Charles Darwin’s radical transformation of psychology. Handout from Darwin’s Expression of emotion in animals and man; Danziger, Naming the Mind, pp. 66 - 107
November 4: The question of the nature of a scientific psychology: Reading: Hand out from Hilgard’s Psychology in America. Second Paper due
November 11: Veteran’s Day No Class.
November 18: The Romantic imperative: psychoanalysis and its breakdown and resurrection. Reading: George Makari Revolution in Mind, pp. 9 - 128
November 25: Psychology becomes a neuroscience. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapy, pp. 3 - 64
December 2: The brain and its self. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapy, pp. 153 – 214.
December 9: The psychotherapist as neuroscientist. Reading: Cozolino, The neuroscience of psychotherapist, pp. 304 – 319. Third paper due
V. Policies and Procedures as defined by AIU:
Behavioral Expectations/Attendance
What behavioral expectations does the instructor have for the students in class? This is where specifications for attendance, participation, respect for others, etc. should be spelled out to act as a behavioral guide. Describe the policies on:
1. Policies Related To Class Attendance, Lateness, Missed Exams or Assignments
The University expects regular class attendance by all students. Each student is responsible for all academic work missed during absences. When an absence is necessary, students should contact the instructor as courtesy and to check for assignments. See the University Catalog for the complete policy on attendance. Attendance criteria for this class are: For students to attend class at the times set out. Driving or otherwise commuting early in the morning will invariably run into traffic, so the student should see me regarding what they have missed. Any quizzes that are missed for any reason will be made up. The student should see me to arrange make-ups. Students should come to class prepared to talk about the texts read, to engage with the instructor and classmates as to the meaning and implications of the readings.
Instructor Assumptions
I do not believe that psychology is unique as a social science in relation to political power. I assume that history is a matter of interpretation rather than the recitation of facts and that there are better interpretations than others. I believe that even the most ancient or cultural different ideas may have relevancy to modern scientific psychology or that the problems raised by radically different outlooks can be answered by modern psychology. I also believe that the most scientific (modern) forms of psychology rest on the work of philosophers, theologians, poets, artists, physicists and others. A good psychologist is a thinking human being aware of people’s lives and aware of the defining role of power (political and otherwise). I also believe that the good psychologist is also a good political and cultural critic.
Responsibility to Keep Copies
Remember – it is good practice to keep copies of ALL major assignments/papers you turn in. On rare occasions, work may be lost because of computer failure or other mishaps.
2. Respectful Speech and Actions
Alliant International University, by mission and practice, is committed to fair and respectful consideration of all members of our community, and the greater communities surrounding us. All members of the University must treat one another as they would wish to be treated themselves, with dignity and concern.
As an institution of higher education, Alliant International University has the obligation to critically confront racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity through critical analysis and understanding how discriminatory ideas and actions are forms of transgression. Professional codes of ethics (e.g., from the APA for psychology students) and the Academic Code shall be the immediate guide for identifying speech or actions that, for some, are considered abusive and insulting. The appropriate educational response will be the first response. If such speech or actions disrupt the class and/or affect students adversely, action will be taken in conformity with University policy..
3. Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics
The University is committed to principles of scholastic honesty. Its members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community. Each student’s conduct is expected to be in accordance with the standards of courtesy, mutual equality and behavior consistent with higher learning. The complete Academic Code, which covers acts of misconduct including assistance during examination, fabrication of data, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and assisting other students in acts of misconduct, among others, may be found in the University Catalog. The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection software. At the same time, the University has a commitment to intellectual and academic freedom and will respect people’s rights to privacy, and the right to free expression.
4. Disability Accommodations Request
If you need disability-related accommodations in this class, please see me privately. All accommodations must be requested in a timely manner (at least 2 weeks ahead of time) with a letter of support for Alliant’s Office of Disability Services. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services.
5. Policy on Course Requirements During Religious Holidays
Alliant International University does not officially observe any religious holidays. However, in keeping with the institution’s commitment to respect and hospitality towards its students and faculty, faculty are encouraged to appreciate students’ religious observances by not penalizing them when they are absent from classes on holy days. Students should be similarly respectful of faculty members’ right to observe religious days.
6. Resources for Obtaining Tutoring or Other Student Support Services
Tutors are available to help students with course-based or exam-based needs. Contact the Director of Student Support Services for information on obtaining tutoring – or other student support services – on your campus.
7. Problem Solving Resources
If problems arise with faculty, other students, staff, or student support services, students should use the University Problem Solving Procedures located on the web at http://www.alliant.edu/academic/studentproblemsolving/Student_Grievance_Policy.pdf or contact the University Ombudsperson at rkunard@alliant.edu.